Air China has completed the sale of a retired Boeing 747-400, marking another step in the carrier’s efforts to raise cash from non-active aircraft assets. The transaction was finalized for US $13.6 million, with the deal covering aircraft MSN 25882, which had spent its entire career flying under the Chinese flag carrier.
Etihad Airways has reported its strongest-ever half-year performance, achieving record profitability, passenger numbers, and fleet growth in the first six months of 2025. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier continues to build momentum through network expansion, operational efficiency, and enhanced customer service.
Qantas, Australia’s national carrier, has announced a major long-haul fleet modernization plan that will see the gradual retirement of its Airbus A380 aircraft and the phased introduction of the Airbus A350-1000. The shift is part of the airline’s broader strategy to improve fuel efficiency, expand ultra-long-haul capabilities, and modernize its intercontinental service offerings.
Japan Airlines is finalizing preparations for the upcoming delivery of a new Airbus A350-900, continuing its long-term fleet modernization efforts. The aircraft, bearing the manufacturer serial number (MSN) 731, is part of the airline’s strategy to enhance fuel efficiency and passenger comfort across long-haul international routes.
Japan Airlines (JAL) has confirmed that it will postpone the retirement of its Boeing 777-300ER fleet by approximately one year, in response to ongoing delivery delays of the Airbus A350 widebody aircraft. This decision will allow JAL to maintain its long-haul service capacity without significant disruption to its global route network.
Qatar Airways is set to announce a major widebody aircraft order in April 2025, as part of its ongoing fleet expansion and modernization strategy. The order is expected to enhance the airline’s long-haul capabilities, ensuring continued operational efficiency and network growth.
Airbus is facing significant supply chain challenges, leading to a delay of up to one year for the A350F freighter program. Additionally, the manufacturer is encountering hurdles in increasing A350 production in the coming months due to component shortages and logistical constraints.
EVA Air has announced the launch of nonstop flights between Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) starting on November 3, 2025. This service will operate five times weekly, making Dallas-Fort Worth EVA Air’s seventh U.S. destination.
Emirates (UAE) has suggested the possibility of increasing its current order of 65 Airbus A350 aircraft, signaling a strategic shift in fleet planning as the airline navigates delivery delays for its ordered Boeing 777X and B787 models. This move highlights Emirates’ focus on maintaining capacity growth and operational resilience.
Thai Airways International is taking significant steps to simplify and modernize its fleet, focusing on operating three widebody aircraft types and a single narrowbody family in the medium term. This strategy reflects the airline’s efforts to enhance efficiency, reduce operational complexity, and align with its growth objectives.
